A road trip is freedom — but freedom works best with a bit of structure underneath it. Sort the car, the route anchors and the money, then let the days between be spontaneous.
Prep the car
- Check tyres (including the spare), oil, coolant, brakes and lights before you go.
- Know how to change a tyre, and carry the tools to do it.
- Have breakdown cover and the number saved.
- Pack water, snacks, a phone mount, chargers, and a paper map as backup.
Plan the route (loosely)
- Fix your start, end, and overnight stops; leave the middle flexible.
- Don't over-schedule driving hours — 5–6 hours a day leaves room to enjoy it.
- Book accommodation for busy stops in advance; wing the quiet ones.
- Mark fuel stops on long empty stretches.
On the road
- Swap drivers and take breaks every couple of hours — tiredness is the real danger.
- Budget for fuel, tolls, parking and food — see the Travel-Budget Planner.
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The best bits are unplanned
Leave gaps in the itinerary for the roadside diner, the viewpoint, the town you didn't know existed. That's where road trips earn their reputation.